The Earl of Derby thought for a moment, then said, "It would be better not to speak of your country's internal affairs."
In Britain, few people truly cared about the plight of American blacks. Abolishing slavery was more like a slogan.
Lincoln was embarrassed now. The British wanted money and privileges, which both North and South could share equally. If it came to abolishing slavery, the Republican Party could still divert the disaster elsewhere.
But now the British wanted only land, and that was the death of him. Eighteen northern states, with nine lost in one stroke—how would they ever contend in Congress afterward?
(It had originally been nineteen, but the United States had lost California by this time.)
If he signed such a humiliating, sovereignty-surrendering agreement, his political career would surely be over. Worse, he would be nailed to the pillar of shame for the rest of his life.
"Your Excellency, you are indulging in a wild fantasy! America will never accept such a humiliating peace!"
At that moment, the Earl of Derby suddenly realized something. He wanted peace. His task was to bring this war to a swift end for Britain and secure the occupied territories once and for all.
"Britain can withdraw from the Great Lakes Region, so long as the indemnity is increased somewhat."
Before the Earl of Derby could finish, Lincoln rose furiously to his feet.
"We will not abandon the land God bestowed upon America!"
Yet the Earl of Derby did not take this in at all. He even said, "We will not take your land for nothing. Britain is willing to forgo the indemnity; we can even pay you—"
Clearly, the two sides were not on the same wavelength. After a round of haggling, each was thoroughly angered by the other. In truth,